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December 3, 2021
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“Block” – Square’s new name. Someone’s got writer's Block.

New Game Plan

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The Story

The US has laid out a new pandemic strategy. 

Is this a flashback to March 2020?

Not exactly. Last week, health officials in South Africa identified a new variant: omicron. And ‘til there’s more info on it, some world leaders are rethinking their approach to the pandemic. Germany announced a lockdown for the unvaxxed. Israel and Japan have closed their borders. The US has already confirmed omicron cases in five states...and more will likely follow, which has sent the stock market tumbling. Now, the Biden admin is hitting refresh on the US’s pandemic measures. 

What are the deets?

President Biden shared plans for hundreds of new vaccination sites and a push for boosters (which all vaxxed US adults are eligible for). And as early as next week, the US will be requiring all international travelers — regardless of vax status — to test negative for COVID-19 within a day of departure. A mask mandate on public transportation is also being extended through mid-March. There's a plan to provide more at-home testing kits – and have insurers reimburse the cost. But guidance on what that reimbursement process will look like won’t be out ‘til Jan 15. 

What are people saying? 

Health experts are welcoming the updates. But many are getting impatient and calling on the gov to get those vax sites up before Santa's sleigh hits rooftops. And say testing and screening are also key. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci said those who are fully vaxxed should be fine, but should get a booster shot “now.” And the White House isn't leaving anything "off the table" in terms of protections...meaning domestic travel restrictions could be an unwelcome gift under the tree.

theSkimm

South Africa's already seeing an exponential increase in cases driven by omicron. It's a warning to the rest of the world that there could soon be a new dominant variant in town. And may nudge those who haven't been vaxxed to get the job done.

PS:Here's what we know (and don't know) about the omicron variant.

And Also...This

What people are talking about...

“Remain in Mexico.” Yesterday, the Biden admin said it reached a deal with the Mexican gov to re-implement the controversial Trump-era immigration policy. Under the former president, Remain in Mexico sent more than 60,000 asylum seekers to Mexico while their asylum claims were being processed. The move exposed them to gangs, kidnappers, and even rape. On his first day in office, President Biden suspended the “inhumane” policy. But Missouri and Texas sued. And the courts (including SCOTUS) forced the admin to restart the policy. Now, Remain in Mexico’s expected to start back up on Monday. 

  • The new conditions: This time, the Biden admin’s offering COVID-19 vax doses to asylum seekers. And ensuring safe transportation to and from court hearings, shelter, and legal counsel. The admin also promised to process claims within six months.

  • Feeling Trumped: During his presidential campaign, Biden promised to end Trump-era immigration policies. But clearly, that isn't the case. Now, the UN's not mincing words about the new move. 

...Oh and speaking of new moves, Congress passed a bill to fund the gov into early next year – narrowly avoiding a shutdown for the second time in a year. Nothing like procrastination. 

Who’s blaring the alarms...

California. Earlier this week, state officials announced that water agencies serving 27 million residents won’t be getting any water in 2022. Except for critical health and safety. Every year, districts across the Golden State apparently submit requests for water to the state. And then the water is divided depending on how much snow and rainfall California gets. Well, the state’s been under a historic drought. The past year has been the second driest in CA history. Now, the state’s apparently saying districts won't be getting water for things like irrigation, landscaping, and gardening. And that if things continue to get worse, the state may have to bring back some intense conservation measures. Think: fining people for not reducing their water usage, shorter showers, and more. 

  • Not all dry: The news doesn't reportedly affect drinking (or bathing) water. Luckily, the Colorado River and reservoirs like Lake Oroville help feed the state's water supply.

What's got people worried…

Planned Parenthood's hacking. This week, the org’s LA branch said it suffered a ransomware attack. And that it compromised the info of about 400,000 patients. It’s unclear who carried out the attack. But they got access to personal information, including addresses and “clinical” info like the type of procedure people received. It comes amid a broader uptick in ransomware attacks. And has raised concerns about possible extortion.

  • Speaking of women’s health: Yesterday, a new Texas law went into effect — limiting the window in which women can receive abortion-inducing medication. Now, it’s a felony to provide the drugs after seven weeks (instead of 10). And they can’t be mailed either. 

Psst...Learn more about hackers' weapon of choice: ransomware.

Who's learning you can't always fake it till you make it...

Antonio Brown. Yesterday, the NFL suspended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver and two other players for three games.The reason: they “misrepresented” their COVID-19 vax status. Major fumble. 

What’s saying fur-geddaboudit…

Elle.

What’s got us texting the “Selling Sunset” crew again…

‘Gushing’ love letters.

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Design: theSkimm | Photo: Droplette

Collagen. Retinol. Glycolic acid. Dermatologists have done a prettyyyyy good job identifying what substances keep skin healthy and radiant. But rubbing ‘em on your face doesn’t always do the trick. Two MIT-trained scientists developed breakthrough tech that can. Droplette is an easy-to-use, at-home treatment that infuses ingredients 20X deeper than they’d get with a serum, cream, or lotion. So you see a difference...fast. Check it out:   

  • Step one: the device. This is the thing that creates powerful micro-mists small enough to get through the skin barrier. 

  • Step two: the capsules. Cruelty-free, clinical-strength formulas that nourish skin from within? Yes, please. Shop by ingredient or pick a bi-weekly subscription based on your skin's needs.

Psst...Skimm’rs get extended access to the Cyber Week sale today. Shop now to save.

‘Tis the Season

Home friends. Extended family. In-laws. This holiday season, you might be seeing peeps you haven’t in a minute. And getting glam for the first time in a long time. Enter: Old Navy. Their fancy-ish pieces can help you nail a casually chic party look. We’re talking equal parts cute and comfy stuff like... 

  • Wintry dresses. Florals and velvet and ruffles, oh my. 

  • Straight denim. These vintage-inspired jeans can be dressed up with the right shoes and accessories. Oh, and come in sizes 0–30, thank u very much.

  • Statement tops. Step one: Take off your coat. Step two: Wow the crowd.

Skimm Reads

“Dava Shastri's Last Day” by Kirthana Ramisetti

A 70-something billionaire who was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer prematurely leaks news about her “death” — so she can read her obituaries and know exactly how her legacy will be remembered. She expects praise-worthy tributes but what’s instead revealed sends her and her children into a tailspin. Come for the “Succession”-style family dynamics and private-island setting, stay for the juicy secrets.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. The video you’ve gotta see as the holiday season ramps up. Courtesy of us and Fidelity. It breaks down how to set a limit for alllll the stuff on your ‘to buy’ list during the most wonderful (read: expensive) time of the year. Watch now.*

2. How to get a blowout sans salon appointment. And extreme heat damage. The Dyson Supersonic™ dries, protects, styles, and smooths hair. While amping up shine and decreasing frizz and flyaways. Get it for †as low as $39 a month with Affirm.*

3. An interactive guide to spotting misinformation online. Learn what “fake news” really means, how it spreads on the internet, why you might be seeing more of it lately, and what you can do about it. Hint: Anything is better than nothing. Read up.*

4. How to paint your bathroom green. Metaphorically, that is. Who Gives A Crap delivers 100% recycled or bamboo toilet paper right to your door. Plus, they donate 50% of their profits to improve sanitation around the world. And Skimm’rs get $10 off their first purchase.*

5. A high-performance sweatshirt for a high-performance recovery. Couch-loungin’ and binge-watchin’ very much included. On’s Hoodie is as functional as it is comfy. It’s even got a lace guard so those pesky drawstrings stay right where they need to. Finally.*

6. Good-for-you supplements you’ll actually look forward to taking. This brand’s immune-boosting, (better) sleep-inducing gummies are made to taste just as good as they make you feel. Plus Skimm’rs get an exclusive 20% off for the next two days with code SKIMM20. Talk about a vita-win.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

†Your rate will be 0% APR or 10–30% APR based on credit, and is subject to an eligibility check. For example, a $700 purchase might cost $63.25/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Neuron to something...Elizabeth B (NY). She co-founded Neura Health, a virtual neurology clinic that connects people with docs in neurology and headache medicine. It also provides resources to help track and manage symptoms. Learn more.

ABCDEFabulous...Chrissy S (SC). During the pandemic, she realized she wanted to work with children full time. So, she started her master’s of education degree. Now, she’s got her dream job working as an education specialist at a children’s museum. 

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Rachel Tyson (NY), theSkimm's Minhee Kim (NY), Tricia Culligan (NY), Ashley Wainer (NC), Claudia Hirsch (CT), Aileen Schruth (NY), Jill Toner (MA), Mary Mickleboro (GA), Remi Akindele (PA), Lortaine Dkala (NC), Cathy Huang (NY), Lauren Levey (CT), JoAnne Walters (WA), Liz Mauk (CO), Christine Smith (MO)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More

The Royal Family viewed through a horror lens. Thick Italian accents and fur coats. And two tennis stars’ intense training regimen. On our new ep of “Skimm This,” we break down three major films with Thrillist film critic Esther Zuckerman and her top rec to watch in theaters.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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